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If you have recently been involved in an accident in the province of Ontario, you will now have to follow a series of steps to reach the point where you can file a personal injury lawsuit. To make this easier on you, we have put together a guide you can check of until you have reached that goal.
Why File A Personal Injury Lawsuit?
To receive compensation, of course. But to do that, you will have to prove to the insurance company that you are serious about wanting fair compensation for the injuries you have sustained during the accident. This will require filing a personal injury lawsuit. To make this entire process easier on you, it would be wise to hire an experienced personal injury lawyer who will push to get you the compensation you are owed.
Step 1: Facts
The first step to filing your lawsuit will be to gather as much information as possible regarding the accident. This includes any and all documents you have regarding the case, so bring your medical records, photos, information from the witnesses, including contact information, and anything else you think may be important. Your lawyer will then help you put together a cohesive picture and find the claims that fit your specific case.
Step 2: Statements
This step is also referred to as the pleadings stage, and involves both parties. First, your lawyer will have to write out a Statement of Claim which is passed on to the other party which will then send their response in the form of a Statement of Defense. Any kind of contentions regarding this statement may then be met with a final pleading from your lawyer.
Steps 3: Mediation
Depending on the area you live in, this step may be a requirement regardless of your situation. In most cases, mediation takes 3 hours, though it may last longer depending your case and the thoroughness of both sides.If you find yourself needing mediation, your personal injury lawyer in Collingwood, will then go to seek out a mediator who fits your case best, both in matters of personality and technique, as well as in financial matters. Of course, the opposing side will also have a say in this. Both sides will also work together in the scheduling of the mediation.
At the start of the mediation itself, your lawyer will draw up a brief which is presented to the other parties. In this brief, your side of the story will be presented, including your medical records, the police reports, statements from the witnesses and anything else of importance.